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Review
. 2004 May;31(3):551-61.
doi: 10.1188/04.onf.551-561.

The use of nebulized opioids in the management of dyspnea: evidence synthesis

Margaret Joyce  1 , Maryellen McSweeney, Virginiay L Carrieri-Kohlman, Josephine Hawkins
Affiliations
Review

The use of nebulized opioids in the management of dyspnea: evidence synthesis

Margaret Joyce et al. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2004 May.

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To analyze the evidence about the use of nebulized opioids to treat dyspnea using the Priority Symptom Management (PRISM) level-of-evidence framework and to make a practice recommendation.

Data sources: Computerized database and manual search for articles and abstracts that included experimental trials, chart reviews, and case studies.

Data synthesis: 20 articles with evaluable evidence were identified. Analysis was complex because of heterogeneous variables and outcome measures. A major limitation is small sample sizes. The majority of PRISM level I and II studies indicated unfavorable evidence.

Conclusions: Scientific data supporting the use of nebulized opioids to treat dyspnea in patients with chronic pulmonary disease, including malignancy, are lacking.

Implications for nursing: Insufficient data identify a need for further research with random crossover designs involving larger samples that are stratified according to prior opioid use. Consistency of study variables should be emphasized.

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